Loop 101 in the Scottsdale area will be impeded and sometimes closed through the end of 2016 for a project that will add one northbound and one southbound lane to the freeway.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said the project will launch later this month. It involves an 11-mile stretch between Loop 202 and Shea Boulevard.

The project will affect numerous businesses along the way, particularly those on the Salt River Reservation east of Pima Road.

Blessing McAnlis-Vasquez, marketing project manager for Talking Stick, the seven-venue destination at Loop 101 between Indian Bend Road and Via de Ventura, said the organization is working diligently on arranging free shuttle service for customers, especially during the holiday and event seasons when weekend closures are possible on the freeway.

She added that tribal authorities are working closely with ADOT on scheduling of closures, and with businesses to help communicate issues to their customers.

Meanwhile, Pima Road, which moved traffic in that part of the city before Loop 101 opened, will resume its role as the primary road running north and south in east Scottsdale.

Loop 101 will be expanded in Scottsdale. Work begins in August 2014.(Photo: The Republic)

The details:

What

Construction of new lanes, one northbound and one southbound, on Loop 101.

Where

Addition of a fourth regular lane, plus a second new northbound lane between Loop 202 and McDowell Road to accommodate merging traffic. Most of the route in question is on Salt River Reservation land.

Who

ADOT has contracted with Pulice Construction of Phoenix on the $72.7 million project.

Why

The stretch of road was the next priority in the Maricopa Association of Governments' Regional Transportation Plan approved by voters in 2004. "Projects like this add room not just for three years from now but also for decades to come," ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said.

Traffic

On average, the freeway carries more than 175,000 vehicles per day on the stretch being widened. It is projected to carry more than 220,000 by 2030.

First steps

Work starts this weekend on some overhead sign work, ramp metering, traffic cameras. Drivers can expect overnight or weekend closures or restrictions in the first month while lanes are shifted and temporary concrete barrier walls are set up for crews to work behind. Meanwhile, hundreds of cactuses and other plants will be salvaged and kept in nurseries for eventual replanting.

Later

Early work into this fall will focus on widening bridges over local cross streets, such as 90th Street and McKellips Road. In all, there are 11 locations where bridge expansion will be needed to allow for the new lanes. That is every one of the roads that cross the freeway in the area.

Advice for drivers

Three lanes plus the HOV lane in each direction will remain open "as much as possible," although they will be shifted toward the center. The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.

Future projects

Lane additions are expected to continue in two phases, one connecting Shea to Princess Boulevard and the other running from Princess to Arizona 51.

LEARN MORE

Information, including possible routes for detours, can be found at azdot.gov/projects/phoenix-metro-area/loop-101-(pima-freeway)/overview.

Affected businesses

From south to north, dozens of businesses will be affected by the freeway construction, many of them built on the lands of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

McKellips Road: Casino Arizona.

McDowell to Indian School Road: Several small businesses, including gas stations.